Choose the Right Alkyd Primer for Your Next Project

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Priming beadboard with alkyd primer.

The core of the painting industry has always been alkyd primer, often called oil base primer. With a long history spanning decades, many varieties have been developed. All standard oil based primers are compatible with oil base paint and acrylic paint, making it a perfect choice for many painting projects.

Alkyd primer offers great advantages over other types of primer.

High adherence to a wide variety of surfaces. These include unpainted or painted wood, masonite, MDF, steel, iron, galvanized metal, chalky paint and graffiti.

Some oil base primers dry very fast allowing the application of the finish paint within an hour.

Effective at sealing many kinds of wallpaper. Might not seal oily stains and graffiti that are soluble in mineral spirits. Many products are easy to sand making them suitable for interior wood trim and doors prior to applying enamel finishes.

Wood Primer – Oil based wood primer is ideal for unpainted wood surfaces, both interior and exterior. Typically dries slowly, which allows it to soak into the wood pores and bind with the fibers.

Highly porous woods may require 2 coats before application of the finish. Dry time can be 24 hours or more depending on temperature and humidity. To decrease this time Japan Dryer can be added sparingly to the oil base primer.

Enamel Undercoat – The best choice for interior woodwork, such as base, casing, and doors. Dries very quickly, typically 1 hour and sands easily to create a smooth surface for either Alkyd or Acrylic enamels. 2 coats will be necessary before sanding.

Metal Primer – Many universal metal primers offer quick drying, 1 hour to topcoat, and good adhesion to iron and steel. Can be brushed, rolled or sprayed and top coated with either a Alkyd, oil base, or Acrylic, Latex, finish.

Galvanized Metal Primer – Galvanized metal, gutters and flashing, require special care before painting, this includes the use of a alkyd primer designed for galvanized surfaces. This oil base primer etches the metal surface providing maximum adhesion for the finish.

Common Rules for Choosing an Alkyd Primer

Universal primers-sealers are an excellent choice for most surfaces. But, choosing a product designed for a specific surface is better. No compromises are made with surface specific products.

Wood can have tannins and sap that can bleed through the primer and finish coats. Use a stain blocking primer to stop bleed through.